Russia agrees to halt recruitment of Kenyan nationals for Ukraine war
Kenya says Moscow will stop using its citizens as fighters
MOSCOW — Russia has agreed to stop recruiting **Kenya**n nationals to fight in the war in Ukraine, according to Kenyan officials following diplomatic talks in Moscow.
Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi announced the decision during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Speaking alongside Lavrov, Mudavadi said both governments agreed that Kenyan citizens would no longer be recruited through the Russian defense ministry.
He explained that Kenyans will no longer qualify for enlistment in Russia’s military structures.
Lavrov did not directly comment on the agreement. However, he stated that foreign fighters who joined Russian forces had done so voluntarily and in accordance with Russian law.
Reports highlight recruitment concerns
Earlier this year, Kenyan authorities raised concerns about the recruitment of their citizens. A Kenyan intelligence report in February estimated that more than 1,000 Kenyans had joined Russian forces in the Ukraine conflict.
Several individuals later claimed they traveled to Russia after recruiters promised well-paid civilian jobs. However, some said they instead found themselves deployed to the battlefield.
Kenya seeks return of its citizens
Kenyan officials are also working to bring back citizens who wish to leave the conflict zone. Mudavadi said authorities have already repatriated 27 Kenyans who had fought for Russian forces.
The government has provided psychological support and rehabilitation programs to help them recover from trauma and reintegrate into society.
Crackdown on illegal recruitment networks
Meanwhile, the Kenyan government has intensified efforts to stop illegal recruitment activities. Authorities recently shut down more than 600 recruitment agencies suspected of misleading citizens with promises of overseas employment.
Some lawmakers have also accused rogue officials of cooperating with human-trafficking networks to send Kenyans to the battlefield.
Despite these actions, officials say it remains unclear how many Kenyan nationals have died while fighting for Russian forces.
Families seeking information have approached the Russian embassy in Nairobi, but some relatives say they have received no clear answers.
Public pressure grows in Kenya
Public concern has increased in recent months. In February, families of Kenyans believed to be fighting in Ukraine staged protests outside parliament in Nairobi. They called on the government to secure the return of their relatives.
Broader diplomatic agenda
During his visit to Moscow, Mudavadi also plans to discuss economic cooperation between the two countries. One proposal under discussion would allow Kenyan workers easier access to the Russian labor market.
Mudavadi stressed that relations between Kenya and Russia extend beyond the Ukraine conflict.
He said both countries aim to strengthen broader economic and diplomatic ties while addressing the recruitment issue.
Wider recruitment across Africa
An assessment by Ukrainian intelligence suggests that Russia has recruited more than 1,700 people from 36 African countries to fight in the war.
In February, South Africa repatriated 17 citizens who said they had been trapped in the Donbas after recruiters deceived them into joining the conflict.
At the same time, Ukraine has also faced criticism for attempts to recruit foreign nationals, including Africans, to support its military efforts.
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